Thane district administration has stepped up efforts to enhance traffic flow and expedite infrastructure development along the heavily used Ghodbunder Highway by closely coordinating with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and associated agencies. The move aims to ensure smoother commuting and address longstanding issues faced by residents and commuters along this critical corridor.
Officials from the district administration emphasised that completing ongoing projects, including the restoration of service roads and proper lane management, has become a priority. Heavy vehicles encroaching into lanes adjacent to residential complexes have been a significant concern, leading authorities to plan measures such as lane barricading and height barriers to prevent traffic violations. These interventions are expected to protect both motorists and local residents while ensuring safer transit. The Ghodbunder Highway widening project, undertaken at a cost of nearly Rs 600 crore, had previously faced criticism from residents due to the felling of mature trees and design oversights, including metro staircases landing mid-highway. Experts suggest that closer monitoring and inter-agency collaboration will mitigate such planning flaws and enhance the commuting experience across the corridor.
In addition to lane management, the Thane administration is also focusing on constructing dedicated parking bays near Vasai. Officials stated that this initiative is intended to prevent congestion caused by trucks blocking entry points, as witnessed during recent temporary restrictions on heavy vehicles. Coordinated planning between the administration, MMRDA, and related agencies aims to streamline both commercial and private vehicle movement, thereby reducing travel time and traffic bottlenecks. Urban planners and traffic experts highlight that integrating service road improvements, proper vehicle segregation, and parking infrastructure is critical to making major roadways like Ghodbunder Highway sustainable and commuter-friendly. Authorities are reportedly considering eco-friendly interventions, including tree plantations and green buffers, to offset the environmental impact of the highway expansion.
Local residents have cautiously welcomed the administration’s measures, stressing that timely completion of projects and enforcement of traffic rules are crucial for long-term benefits. Officials are maintaining that public safety, environmental sustainability, and commuter convenience are guiding principles for the ongoing infrastructure development along the highway. The collaborative approach between Thane administration and MMRDA demonstrates a commitment to aligning urban infrastructure growth with citizen needs, providing safer, more reliable, and environmentally conscious roadways. While challenges remain, authorities insist that ongoing supervision, public engagement, and proactive interventions will gradually transform Ghodbunder Highway into a model urban transport corridor for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Also Read: Indian Railways To Introduce Weekly Amrit Bharat Express Connecting Brahmapur To Nagpur
